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We first saw the UTStarcom TXT8010 hit the FCC back in mid-April using the codename of Elvis, since then it seemed to have disappeared, that is until now. The TXT8010 has resurfaced with Verizon and is now known as the Blitz.

The handset details are coming courtesy of a leaked Verizon Wireless Equipment Guide and what that means is we have some nice clean images, but lots of details are still missing.

The Blitz is a slider style phone that offers a full (albeit small looking) QWERTY keyboard, 1.3-megapixel webcam, stereo Bluetooth and a microSD card slot. It looks like the Blitz is headed for the prepaid market, and its expected to be launched at Wal-Mart on August 8 and Best Buy on September 28. No mention of pricing, however it does not look like a handset that is going to break the bank.

Via [Engadget Mobile]

Motorola’s latest clamshell has just been spotted on the FCC website, and this one is certainly nothing to get over-excited about. The low-end offering, which is being called “Ischia” is almost screaming why bother.

The Motorola “Ischia” offers the very basic Bluetooth and EDGE support, but lacks any GSM 850 support. While nothing official has been announced, this model may as well have pre-paid written on it.

Based on the image, it does appear to have a dedicated music, and email button, however that is far from enough to win any support over for this particular handset.

Read [FCC] Via [EngadgetMobile]

Keeping true to their priority of being significant hubs of the community, Boost Mobile opened its first three retail stores, they are located in Huntington Park, California, Hialeah, Florida and Houston, Texas. In addition to the new retail locations the Boost Mobile prepaid products have been and will remain available to consumers at Wal-Mart, 7-11 and a huge number of other retail outlets.

More than just a place to buy goods, Michael Lanzo, Boost Vice President of Sales and Marketing says, “our stores have a great vibe and highlight the best we have to offer.” Contrary to the common shops, Lanzo adds, “they’re much more than just retail spots aimed at attracting customers—the stores are centers for community connection.  Becoming an integral part of these neighborhoods is a priority for Boost, and we are actively engaging local civic officials and giving back to charities in the communities where our stores are located.”

Boost seems determined to cultivate a ‘community’ image. The stores aim to exude a green vibe, filling the stores with furniture and decor made of recycled materials.

Via [MobileCrunch]

Virgin Mobile has just announced the availability of pre-paid calling plans. With Virgin Mobile’s new affordable pre-paid plans, consumers will now be able to choose between two options – the Pay As You Go plan or the Go Unlimited plan.

Virgin Mobile’s new Pay As You Go plan has the value of Roll Forward Minutes wherein up to 5,000 unused minutes from the plan can be rolled forward to the new Minute Pack that customers would buy. In order to roll the minutes forward the new minutes must be purchased within 30 days of their last purchase. Virgin Mobile’s per-minute pack is priced at 5-cents per minute ($50 total) when a customer buys the 1,000 minute pack.

Likewise, Virgin Mobile has also enhanced its monthly plans by offering a nights and weekends rate of $49.99 which includes an unlimited calling that begins at 7:00 pm. Additionally, Virgin Mobile is also offering a $34.99 monthly plan with 300 anytime minutes per month and 1,000 minutes during nights and weekends starting at 7:00 pm.

Read [Virgin Mobile] Via [I4U News]

Alcatel-Lucent have announced a new prepaid option for the BlackBerry. The new option would be a “real-time, volume-based charging solution will be hosted by Alcatel-Lucent.” This new prepaid option would be able to be integrated into existing networks and will allow for users to track their used minutes and data as to not run their balance down to zero.

“We are proud of the work that has been done in partnership with Alcatel-Lucent to bring the BlackBerry solution to new markets and we look forward to expanding this relationship,” said Jim Balsillie, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Research In Motion.

More options are usually a welcome addition, especially when it comes to paying for mobile service, but with the way people get addicted to their CrackBerry’s I am not sure a prepaid solution would be the most cost affective.

Read [Alcatel-Lucent]